Hello, I’m concerned and confused and hope something I hear on here will help. My 17 year old niece has been suffering with fatigue, weight loss, bruising and nausea. We just got back from the Dr again. They’re ran blood tests and had an ultrasound of her liver as enzymes showed a little high but it’s all come back normal. As most people, I’m reading how all these symptoms could be leukemia. I’ve addressed with Dr and was told there aren’t any indicators of this. But from what I’ve read, that is possible and the only way to know for sure is a bone marrow test. We just came back from another round of blood tests and are being referred to a GI specialist. Should I demand a bone marrow test?
Hi @Needinfo I am glad that you have found us because the concern you have for your niece really shines through.
I am not a medical person but from what you say your niece’s Dr is doing fact finding tests to rule conditions in or out.
The trouble is that the symptoms you describe could be so many conditions, unfortunately a definitive diagnosis can take time and the caring and not knowing is not nice.
I have leukaemia and I have never had a bone marrow test.
If you need to speak to someone the Blood Cancer UK support line is there for you on 0808 2080 888
Perhaps try not to search the internet too much there is some unreliable information out there.
Please do let us know how you get on.
First let me say, I hope you are doing well with your condition and I think it’s amazing that you are available to support others. Second, thank you so much for such a quick reply. I was not expecting that!! My biggest concern is waiting to narrow other possibilities down and then testing for leukemia or another type of cancer to find it is in a higher stage. I would think the more serious possibilities should be tested for first? I realize doctors need to run multiple tests so I am trying to be as patient as possible. The worst part of it is the helpless feeling seeing her feel so bad and not have answers. Thank you again for your response!
Hi @Needinfo.
I can see @Erica has already given you a great reply and details of the helpline which I would urge you to call if it would help to talk things through.
I know it must be very worrying to see your niece feeling unwell and it’s so frustrating waiting for results.
The good thing is that the doctors are continuing to try and find out what is going on but this takes time and waiting is often the hardest part.
I hope it has helped to get your thoughts down.
Please keep us updated on how you and your niece are doing X
Hello there @Needinfo
Thank you for posting and it is understandable that you are concerned about your niece.
A Full Blood Count, which I would expect to be included in the blood tests you mention can identify if the bone marrow is not producing enough blood cells or indeed the right blood cells. In Acute Leukaemia those cells are crowded out by leukaemia cells so it is test that can indicate the need for a Bone Marrow test. I expect that if these tests were abnormal then appropriate further testing would be done. It sounds like there is not an indication for this test by the blood results so far. It is always good to ask questions and gain some reassurance from the team caring for your niece though.
It may be helpful to look at our Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK pages to formulate any discussions going forward.
If you need to speak to someone the Blood Cancer UK support line is there for you on 0808 2080 888
I do hope this is helpful and wishing your niece better.
Kind regards
Gemma